 In October of 1985, London friends gathered on the Ranch along with Jack's youngest daughter Becky Fleming London and his great nephew I. Milo Shepard, who demonstrated vintage farm equipment. The purpose of this gathering was to raise money for restoration of the cottage. This was carried out in the theme "A New Beginning" and a program with the late Russ Kingman, noted Jack London biographer, as the master of ceremony. Kingman introduced Assemblyman Bill Filante, who announced that legislature had recently earmarked funds for restoring ranch buildings that included the cottage that was closed to the public at that time.
The historians and craftsmen began literally piece by piece restoring walls, floors and windows to the condition they were in on September 5, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. when Jack stepped over the threshold into the house that he would call home until his untimely death in the sleeping porch on November 22, 1916. As time passed and inflation took a toll on the Restoration Budget the rebuilding came to a stop, and Jack and Charmian's parlor stood bare. In true Jack London spirit, the supporters and friends of the Jack London Ranch remain steadfast to their dream, and in the year 2001, the State of California allocated approximately $750.00 that will be allocated for the next three fiscal years to complete the restoration of the cottage dining room.
The true feeling of being in Jack London's home will be fulfilled when visitors are able to walk through each room of this quaint cottage. When the time comes and you look into the dining room, pay special attention to the tapa curtains made from cloth that Jack brought back from his South Sea Voyage. Also note the plaque on the wall that was created by Finn Frolick, one of Jack's many close friends. Please take time to answer Jack London's open invitation for you to drop in anytime for a visit because as he announced, the "latch string is always out." It will be a day you'll never forget.
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